As I enthusiastically revved the BRZ's 2.0-liter, 200-hp flat-four up to 5500 rpm, or about 2000 rpm shy of redline, I dropped the clutch, and, unlike any Subaru before, the tiny coupe lit up its rear tires as if they were Ground Bloom Flowers on July 4. It's a good thing Subaru's long-running tag line, "The Beauty of All-Wheel Drive," which signified the brand's exclusive use of four-wheel power, was replaced with "Confidence in Motion." (Not to get ahead, but the rear-drive BRZ epitomizes confidence in motion.) After 3 seconds of mellifluous tire screeching, the BRZ's Michelins hooked up, and I proceeded to effortlessly flick the Miata-esque Aisin six-speed manual from gate to gate, glancing up at the rearview and watching the runway at the decommissioned El Toro Marine Base quickly fade into the horizon.

Then I made a big mistake. With my eyes still set on the rearview mirror, I locked onto the tiny back seat barely befitting a pair of shih tzus. I knew then and there this car was not for me. Or rather, I was not for this car. I wanted to cry. Like, weep cry. I had driven the BRZ 1320 feet, and I coveted one. But I might as well have coveted my own private 747 with a batting cage and a Jacuzzi. See, my family and this small 2+2 Subaru -- which, by the way, stretches 21.4 inches shorter than an already compact Mustang -- go together like Porsche and pickup. But wait, maybe if I moved the front passenger seat all the way forward, I could make enough room for a child seat, allowing the missus to be semi-comfortable, which...is never going to happen.

Few cars have made me miss bachelorhood quite like the BRZ. The Lamborghini Aventador didn't. Neither did the Ferrari 458 Italia. Why? Well, those Italian exotics are so expensive that, regardless of my marital status, they would require that I be filthy rich, which I'm not. The BRZ, on the other hand, is set to start at around $25,000 -- that's downright reasonable. So if I were flying solo and free of such familial expenses as a mortgage and the kid's college fund, the BRZ would reside in my garage. To be more specific, the BRZ Limited, which adds leather/Alcantara upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, foglamps, a rear spoiler, and push-button start with keyless entry for roughly $2000 over the base Premium. And the Premium isn't so base, what with standard HID headlamps, navigation, Bluetooth phone and audio, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

At 2747 pounds, the BRZ is 160 pounds heavier than the 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition hardtop, but offsets the added weight with an extra 33 hp. In other words, the Subaru's weight-to-power ratio of 13.7 pounds per pony betters the Mazda's 15.5. Unsurprisingly, the BRZ, which measures 9.4 inches longer and around 2 inches wider and taller than the Miata, proved a hair quicker, scooting from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds (versus the Miata's 6.5) and through the quarter mile in 14.9 at 95.5 mph (versus 15.0 at 90.2).

Better still, the BRZ treats the driver to all the MX-5's chassis greatness -- the direct, linear steering; the composed, taut ride with a touch of softness; the firm, reassuring brakes; the initial understeer that transitions gently and predictably to controllable oversteer -- but adds a quiver-free fixed-roof body that communicates chassis behavior with even more precision. In terms of accessible, rewarding dynamics, the BRZ resides with the Porsche Cayman, which, as Subaru points out, has a slightly higher center of gravity than that of the made-in-Japan coupe. In fact, around our figure-eight course, test director Kim Reynolds preferred the BRZ's character and 0.90 g of lateral accel (Subaru admits the standard Michelin Primacy HPs are "moderate grip" tires) to a certain mid-engine Brit that costs roughly tenfold. (Hint: It's in this issue.)

So how'd Subaru do it? For starters, with a lot of help from Toyota, which took the reins on BRZ/Scion FR-S product planning and, cha-ching, helped fund the joint project. But it was Subaru that was in charge of engineering, and for that, huge credit is deserved. Take the WRX STI-based front suspension, whose struts were shrunk to keep the hood low and whose A-arms were reversed to accommodate the FA20 boxer. Speaking of the engine, compared with its FB20 sibling in the Impreza, the port- (for low-speed driving) and direct-injected (for mid- to high-speeds) FA boasts a 4.7-inch-shorter height, a 2.6-inch-lower intake manifold, a 0.7-inch-lower exhaust manifold, and reversed intake plumbing that allows it to sit 9.4 inches rearward. Thus, by "demonstrating the potential of the boxer," Subaru created a rear-drive sport coupe with short overhangs, a low 18.1-inch Cg, and a low hood, roof, and seating position (in light of Impreza, BRZ's hip point is 4.9 inches closer to the ground), all of which improves visibility and heightens feel -- key elements to any superb sports car.And the BRZ is undeniably superb. For the money, its grin-getting straight-line quickness, 22/30 mpg city/highway fuel economy (25/34 with the six-speed automatic), seemingly extrasensory chassis response, seven-airbag passive safety suite, and straightforward, aesthetically pleasing cabin -- offering nearly as much front headroom as the 4.4-inch-taller Honda Civic Si and enough cargo room with the rear seats folded to swallow a toolbox, a helmet, and a full set of wheels/tires -- make Subaru's most creative creation a force to be reckoned with. Sure, it's not the quickest car in its class and it has a few faults (cramped backseat, ho-hum 17-inch wheels, and the Scion will be cheaper). But for pure, unadulterated driving delight, the BRZ packs a knockout punch.

Why would anyone compare this to a camaro? camaros are about power and straight line speeds. this car is about sliding around the twisties and having a good time on a canyon run. two totally different cars for two totally different reasons.

0-60 in 6.4sec for a RWD and light weight, isn't that great, at all.Spinning your tires for 3 seconds off the line is NOT impressive. Mich Primacy tires are rated for touring, not sport driving.Why this tire? It rides good and quiet according to reviews, but this is not supposed to be a GT, it's a small sports car, and needs proper sports tires.

As one can see by all the "power" comments, and comparisons to cars weighing a lot more than this BRZ, much of the American car buyer doesn't get or care about handling and balance. They want POWER over everything else, and a body that reminds them of something from the late 60's and early 70's.Why else do we see so many new Challengers on the road?It's too bad that we have this mind set, because if this car doesn't see, then the manufacturers will have no reason to bring more power and content to the car in the future.For me, it is too small.If they would have come with a convertible, then it would make for a better proposition for a weekend or fun short trip car. And, it could give the Miata some competition, as that car is too small for many folks.

@bobdevo Actually, 'bobbo'.. If I have recently exceeded 145 on the highway recently, do you think I would be publicizing that here? and I think you misconstrued, like many other people here my intended context of "fast". Perhaps the proper word for that might have been quick but who cares. Yea.. 145 is not shabby but how quick you can get there is a very important variable as well... and how well are you doing on the bottom end? 15 seconds is NOT quick by today's standards. Of course, that might be quick in your book but that's your opinion, so have at it. This car is underpowered for it's intended purpose and relative to it's price. I also find it extremely amusing about other posts on here that bleat something to the effect "oh, this is all about the DRIVING EXPERIENCE" or "anyone who complains about lack of power are not real drivers and idiots". Oy. Not going to work on me. I digress however, I actually still like this car but I'm not going to be buying it new, if ever.

I will always admire lightweight, responsive and efficient cars, so I dig the BRZ and FR-S !! A car like the BRZ or FR-S will do far more to sharpen your driving skills than an American pony or muscle car (which you'll be able to drive better after honing your skills on one of these Asian bantamweight bad boys) !!

I would never buy the Hyundai Genesis, the suspension sucks and reliability is zero, especially because of all that loud tire noise. At least with this Subaru you know you are in good hands. And not only that but the Hyundai Genesis looks like an ugly fat fish from the front, the Subaru BRZ looks a lot nicer. But I would never buy any of these cars, especially because I never go to the track to race. I would certainly pick a fresh yellow Camaro over any of these Asian jokers.

I would have to drive it before I could really make a decsion but here is my take:Very sharp looking car for the most part. I don't care for the rear end which looks like a transformer robot sticking ou it's tongue. And what's with the stupid black plastic piece in the middle of the grill? It looks very cheap and hurts a very nice looking front.The interior is pretty basic and there are no buttons on the steering wheel which is always a major turn off for me. At a starting price of $25k, I don't know if it better than a Genesis, GTI or WRX, the latter two offering much more utility. Even younger buyers need some place to put their bikes/skis/etc.

Expectations were very high, and it is quite nice ricer-car,..but..it seems to be "more SHOW than GO" car..Toy-baru twins should look diferent ! Actual design siuts more Toyota, and Subaru should have diferent body (not enough "Subaru character" in here..)(This Car itself looks not bad, but it could be better (I think Scion TC looks more interesting..more suitable for it's weak 200BHP power ?!?:) )Why this new Subaru isn't inspired ,i.e: by this legendary design:http://www.snapoversteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/subaru-1244-1.jpgand inside as well: http://members.tripod.com/Matt_Birchard/subxt/cockpit.jpgIt could help to make a justice for much higher sticker price..More Power would also help..Cheaper Toyota(200BHP) for 25K$, and more exclusive Subaru(230+BHP) for 25K$..We must remember that "new" Miata is on it's way, RX8 and Huibndajji Coupe, V6-Mustangs/Camaros, are more "sporty"-GT/Pony cars than sports-cars..And this FWD Chevy 130R will only look good(little Camaro)--> poseur-car !:)

Still after some critics we should remember that :"This car is almost universally loved by every publication and driver that's sat in, yet keyboard experts continue to hate and hate."--> It might be the same, "Muscle Cars effect" --> they're very powerfull, but not the fastest ..., but still it's really "the feeling" that counts ! ...

The big difference is with the Genesis you will never pay anywhere close to MSRP...they will make and sell a ton of them. The Subie you will pay sticker, hell it even says it's limited production on their website. Yes, I do all my own work on my cars, so it would just be finding the right parts. With putting bolt on's on the FRS... at the end of the day, without a turbo you will still be stuck in a 14 second car.... Just too f-ing slow for me. I don't need a Mustang or Camaro to have fun....but god damn thats slow. My angst is a product of let down... I was REALLY excited about this car....not so much now.

@VeeDub4LF...lol you missed my point...to sort out the understeer is adding cost; stock for stock, the Toyobaru will be the better drivers' car. Coilovers, swaybars, alignment, and BETTER TIRES to get it even close to where the Toyobaru probably is, according to your estimate, is adding in another $2500 (no way with labor or getting that car's suspension dialed in to match the ridiculous and unnecessary coilovers). You would be getting closer to $4k, unless ebay specials are your thing and you do all the labor yourself. Then you get into the realm of closer to $30k. Honestly, if I have to mod the car that much straight from the factory to get it to handle like the way a sports car should I'd start shopping for a used Elise.lol...you have so much angst for this car it's laughable

dear lord, if i hear one more person say toyota/subaru dropped the ball....listen, this car was built from the ground up sharing basically no other parts with any existing cars, hence why it has a 25,000 base price...use your heads. Next, 200hp...it doesn't get me all that excited but lets be real, its enough to have a little fun, don't like it? Wait for the STi or TRD version or go buy a V6 mustang and lose your car in the parking lot because there is 50 other mustangs parked in the same lot. Give toyota and subie some credit they made a fun little car that the people have been waiting for. Si - great car but fwd, gti - great car but fwd, ms3 - great car but fwd, get my drift? (pun intended)

You will not see much in power gains from the BRZ from bolt on's... 20-30 WHP improvement tops and with it's 12.5-1 compression ratio stock bolting on forced induction will not do well for engine life and really does not make financial sense when you start swapping internals The understeer issue on the Genesis 2.0T can be fixed with a nice set of coilovers, swaybars, and a more aggressive alighnment (around $2000.00) The bigger plus with the Genesis 2.0T is a $500.00 ECU flash will get you into the 330-340hp range....with nothing else done...gotta love factory turbo motors :) Then it's not even a comparison.

@VeeDub4LF, the Genesis coupe weighs in 600 lbs more. The understeer would cost at least $1000 to fix with a sorted suspension (not coilovers) and install. With the extra $1000, you could reflash the BRZ ECU, add intake, exhaust and have a little more hp, put it toward a better tire and wheel package, or go to driving school.

O Please compare this to a RX8 and on a Track against an RX8. Doesnt even have to be the R3 Version either. Im looking to get out of my 8 because of gas prices.. probably gonna get the Mazdaspeed3 and just be happy.

I really want to buy this car, I think the suburu exterior look better than toyota's version. but I like Toyota engineering better.. any experts here please tell me are both of these identical or what is the most significant difference? Thanks is advance.

What gets me is the idiots with the blind devotion to this car. Lets face the fact that Toyobaru dropped the ball on this one. This car would have been perfect at 25 grand and 230-240hp and some real performance tires. There would not even be a debate because it would be on par with all the brand X sporty cars. I'm not asking for a 300 hp monster... just balanced performance for the price. They watered it down too much from all the rumors we were hearing before the initial release down to cute car levels of acceleration. If this makes it to a gen 2 maybe they will get the message from the masses. Until them I am awaiting the first real test of the 2013 Genesis 2.0T... at least it is easier to fix understeer than to add more power to this car.

Most of the idiots complaining about lack of power are not real drivers. End of story. Some of the most entertaining cars ever built are small and light, and have much less power than the BRZ. Some of the world's best pro drivers coveted their time with Minis, Fiats, MGs and so many others.If you need all that power, you might be lacking somewhere else, no? Track days in your future, spend your own money on HP. But, really, will it be more fun, or will you just get some better numbers?That said, there still needs to be more distinction between the twins, here. Two really easy ways, Subaru. 1. wheels (jeez, what does it take to get another style?!), and interior colors and treatments: one other color choice and maybe some dealer-installed trim pieces.Totally personal taste issue, but I'm starting to really not like the black front-end bash-bar on this thing. It's really heavy-handed.

same comments, different article:commenter 1 (the troll): RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE *made up statistics* RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE *better than (car in article)* RABBLE RABBLE!commenter 2: RABBLE RABBLE *commenter 1 is wrong* RABBLE RABBLE *different made up statistics* RABBLE RABBLE *I'm always right* RABBLE RABBLE!!now for my serious comment:this car is about the driving experience. this car wants to connect the driver to the car in such a way that only miatas have been able to do, but add a bit more power/practicality to it. you can compare numbers all you want, but this car was never meant to compete with higher performance cars with better performance numbers. I would buy this car in a heartbeat at that price, but I am mustang-biased and always have been. That, and I just purchased a '13 v6 and it's enough car for me so I'll just enjoy it.. Best wishes to all future BRZ/FR-S/86 owners, and I will hope to see you all at track events!

I think they droped the ball on this one. Ive been following this since the ft86 first came to light long ago.They told the car world it would be light weight and cheap. Car isnt super heavy but at that weight its def not light. I remember them saying closer to 20k for base models. I hope it sells well cause at least they have a good base now. When the new miatas come out im sure everyone will forget these cars.

Only BlackDouchebagNYC would defend a car with such mediocre performance and obviously has never driven one.....:)A great car for the person looking for the slowest possible sporty car for 25 grand.... A nice sensible Toyobaru

I'll wait patiently for the next lightning lap....this car will be seconds behind the MS3 and GTI.... even the poor little Civic Si will pull on this car by at least half a second. Power to weight ratio says it all....along with the crap tires they fitted it with (WTF) This car will be in the 3:26 / 3:27 range at VIR.... I wanted to like this car... then Toyota sanitized it down to hair dresser levels of performance. They had such a great shot here to make an amazing car....they blew it. 25K performance oriented car should be able to at least keep up with the Si, GTI, MS3 on the highway....this won't even come close.

in the price range, excluded the MUSTANG/CAMERO. what the other car on earth can match this car??? MS3? GTI?? civic?? and all other carppy american car compare to this? they are FWD not even close.... and pleZ. DON't brg up those muscle cars. they are not thing but BIG fat A$$ engine. Also they are overweight too.

Some people here really make me laugh out loud and on the floor. Why do we compare it to other cars that cost 25K USD....because we are in America....the land were we don't care that other people pay more for the same cars that we get cheap. It is too much for this car, because we expected more from this car.... it has been hyped to death and now we see the finished product and it's not all roses. A "sports car" even though a cheap one that runs 15 second 1/4 times is ridiculous, even more so when you look at the other sporty cars you can get in AMERICA....for 25K. I'm not talking pony cars either.... 2013 Genesis 2.0T, MS3, GTI.. hell even a Civic Si. This car has 1990's performance at 2012 prices.

Some people here make me laugh. 25K is too much? Try to buy a car in other parts of the world. This car would cost 130K in Singapore and 35K in UK. 25K is too much, really?If you're not buying a car base on emotion, buy something like Camry V6 or Accord V6 because they are faster. Or you can buy a Mustang with performance package, it will slalom slower than this car. Most people here never seen and sit in one, and judge the interior is cheap. I sat in one, seating position is perfect, material is pretty good in the front and a bit let down at the rear, but who cares? It's made to carry 4 tires at the back, so it needs a heavy duty plastic.@mackillio: 170whp. 15% loss from crank.

200hp = fast? yea.. maybe on a go cart or 10 years ago. This thing is light but not light enough for 200hp. As far as the whicky poo crowd who is happy with the handling alone? knock yourselves out. My main contention with this car is the price/hp ratio. 20,000 dollars is realistic for this car and no more. If they had priced it like that? I'd probably be on here ranting an raving in it's favor. Right now? It's an overpriced, under performer and although it might keep a niche 'handling' crowd happy, it's certainly not going to keep someone like me happy. Believe me when I tell you, I'm not compensating for anything either.

Not impressed. The Honda Prelude was posting up similar numbers 15 YEARS AGO. Where is it today? The Acura RSX Type S was putting up similar numbers10 years ago and where is it today? Why will the Subaru succeed where Honda failed? Oh thats right, because of all the Toyota buyers who havent had a real sports car in 10+ years and wouldnt know what one was if it hit them crossing the street....

I waiting for more new model to come out! I use to love the concept model until they had such a small engine and no turbo and no AWD! I want a car that can go in snow and ice and not just a weekend - kept type of car.